See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

Description

If interior walls are enclosed (e.g., with drywall) when framing materials and insulation are wet, the trapped moisture can lead to problems for the home. Therefore, it is essential to do the following before enclosing the interior walls:

Figure 1 - Wet-Applied Insulation that is Still Drying. The dark spots on this wet-spray cellulose insulation indicate that it is not dry, and it must be allowed to dry completely before the wall is enclosed.

Measuring Moisture Content of Framing Materials

If framing materials appear wet, you must test them using a moisture meter. Moisture meters will give you a reliable benchmark to evaluate whether or not the materials can be safely installed in the home.

The most common wet building material is dimensional lumber used for framing. This material usually arrives early at the jobsite and will be exposed to the elements longer than most other building materials. To test the moisture content of wood, you can use a resistance meter.

A resistance moisture meter measures the moisture by sending a small electrical charge through two probes inserted into the lumber. If the wood is wet, the charge will pass easily between the probes; dry wood offers greater resistance and less charge will pass (Curkeet 2011). Some moisture meters have additional features that allow the units to be calibrated for different kinds of wood, but usually at a higher cost. In general you can expect to spend between $500 and $650 on a moisture meter that will be suitable for residential construction (PNNL 2012).

Insert the probes at least 1/4 inch into the wood to get an accurate measurement.

Insert the probes parallel with the grain of the wood.

Do not try to test wood on the ends; this will not give an accurate measurement.

Test in multiple locations along the lumber to get an accurate assessment. The meter only measures the moisture content between the probes. Although moisture can saturate an entire piece of lumber, it also can only impact a small section; therefore, you should test multiple areas of the wood to ensure the entire piece is dry enough to install and enclose.

If the material has a high moisture content, allow it to dry until it is under the required moisture threshold. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and gentle heat to shorten the drying time and lessen the impact on the construction schedule (EPA 2013).

Figure 2 - Meters for Measuring Moisture in Building Materials. It is important not to enclose the interior of a wall (e.g., with drywall) if a high moisture content is detected in either the framing members or the insulation products.

Some insulation products, such as fiberglass batts, are supposed to be dry at all times. However, other products, such as open cell and closed cell spray foam insulations, are wet applied. It is critical to ensure these wet-applied products are fully dried (and cured, if required) before enclosing them. Follow this overall guidance:

Apply insulation per manufacturer’s directions.

Allow insulation to dry and/or cure according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Although this will depend on the type of insulation used, in general allow as much access to airflow as possible for drying. If recommended, a fan can help speed drying times. However, this can impact any curing that may need to occur, so be sure to check with the manufacturer first.

Ensuring Success

It is critical to ensure the materials in the wall cavity are dry before being enclosed. When in doubt, use a moisture meter to determine exactly what percentage of moisture is in the material. Also, be sure that any wet-applied insulation is fully cured so you do not trap moisture in the wall assembly.

Presentations

None Available

Videos

None Available

CAD Images

None Available

Compliance

The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Builders Responsibilities: It is the exclusive responsibility of builders to ensure that each certified home is constructed to meet these requirements. While builders are not required to maintain documentation demonstrating compliance for each individual certified home, builders are required to develop a process to ensure compliance for each certified home (e.g., incorporate these requirements into the Scope of Work for relevant sub-contractors, require the site supervisor to inspect each home for these requirements, and / or sub contract the verification of these requirements to a Rater). In the event that the EPA determines that a certified home was constructed without meeting these requirements, the home may be decertified.

More Info.

Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Website providing technical guidance to help home builders and their subcontractors, architects, and other housing professionals understand the intent and implementation of the specification requirements of the IAQ labeling program.

Water Managed Building Materials =

Interior Moisture Control Materials

Wood, paper-faced drywall, and other building materials are susceptible to water damage. Water resistant materials should be used in areas where materials are commonly exposed to water, such as in bathrooms, near sinks, and even in entry areas. Tile and stone are water resistant when installed with cement-based underlayment and moisture barriers. Carpet should not be used in damp areas. Fiberglass-based wall board is an option in potentially damp areas, such as basements.

Alternate Terms

Dry-by-Design Materials

Interior Moisture Control Technology

Professionally-Installed Interior Water Protection

Interior Moisture Control MaterialsSales Message

Interior moisture control materials are appropriately selected for better protection at locations exposed to water. What this means to you is peace-of-mind knowing your home has a comprehensive set of measures that minimize the risk of water damage in your home. Wouldn’t you agree every home should have full water protection?

Last Updated: 03/29/2016

Mobile Field Kit

The Building America Field Kit allows you to save items to your profile for review or use on-site.